crack

The word “crack” means to break, split, or form a line of damage without falling completely apart. In plain terms, to break or split, to solve something, to break down under pressure, or to make a joke — plus, as a noun, a split or a sharp sound.

“Crack” is pronounced krak (/kɹæk/ in IPA).

Here is “crack” used in a sentence: “The old vase cracked when it was dropped.”

Depending on how it is used, “crack” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “crack” comes from Old English. From Old English cracian, meaning "to make a sudden loud noise" — the "break" and "joke" senses both grew from this basic idea of a sharp snap.

“Crack” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Crack” has 7 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to break, split, or form a line of damage without falling completely apart.

When something cracks, it splits or forms a line of damage but generally stays in one piece — a cracked phone screen still holds together. When something breaks, it separates into two or more pieces or stops working. Cracking is often the first stage; continued stress turns a crack into a break.

Cracking forms one or more fracture lines while the object largely keeps its shape. Shattering is sudden and total — the object bursts into many small fragments at once. A window can crack from a stone and still stand; a harder blow makes it shatter across the whole pane.

Yes. Glass often cracks while remaining in place, held together by its frame, coatings, or the surrounding pane. Temperature changes, pressure, or a light impact can start a crack that spreads slowly. The glass is damaged and weakened, but it has not yet separated into pieces or fallen apart.

Beyond physical damage, 'crack' has many figurative uses. To crack a code or problem is to solve it; to crack a joke is to tell one; to crack under pressure is to lose composure. A voice can crack with emotion, and to 'crack down' means to enforce rules strictly.